Why OBS Isn't Recording Audio
OBS Studio is one of the most popular free broadcasting and recording tools worldwide. However, many users encounter a frustrating issue where video records perfectly, but audio is completely silent.
The main culprits are incorrect audio device settings, disabled audio tracks, and Windows permission restrictions. Fortunately, most of these issues can be resolved through simple configuration adjustments.
3 Common Causes of OBS Audio Problems
1. Audio Device Configuration Errors
When OBS's default audio device settings don't match your Windows system's default device, no input signal will be captured. This is especially common when using external USB microphones or audio interfaces.
2. Audio Track Not Selected
If recording tracks are disabled, the exported file can contain no audio. OBS Studio supports up to six recording tracks. Enable one or more in Settings → Output → Recording, then open Edit → Advanced Audio Properties and tick which tracks each audio source should be recorded to (for universal playback, ensure Track 1 is checked for all sources).
3. Windows Permission Restrictions
Windows 10/11 privacy settings may block OBS from accessing your microphone. Some security updates have been reported to automatically restrict access depending on user settings.
Note: If you connect an external audio device after launching OBS, the previously saved device path may become invalid, resulting in silent recordings. In this case, you'll need to reselect your device.
Solution Comparison Table
| Cause | Symptom Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Audio Device Not Specified | OBS input device set to "Default" or "Disabled" | Settings → Audio → Select actual microphone device |
| Audio Track Disabled | Recording file contains no audio stream | Output → Recording → Enable at least 1 of tracks 1-6 |
| Source not assigned to recording track | Meter moves in OBS but the exported file has no audio | Edit → Advanced Audio Properties → Check Track 1 (and others) for that source, and ensure Track 1 is enabled in Output → Recording |
| Windows Permission Blocked | Microphone access denied | Settings → Privacy → Microphone → Allow OBS access |
| Driver Issues | Device recognized but no signal | Update or reinstall drivers |
Step-by-Step Audio Fix Guide
Step 1: Verify OBS Audio Settings
- Open OBS Studio →
File → Settings - Select the
Audiotab - Under 'Mic/Auxiliary Audio Device', choose your actual device name
- Click
Apply→OK
If this is set to Disabled, recording won't capture any audio. After changing the device, click Apply → OK to save.
Source: OBS Official Quick Start Guide
Step 2: Enable Audio Tracks
- Go to Settings →
Outputtab - Change Output Mode to
Advanced - Under the
Recordingtab, check at least one of audio tracks 1-6
Step 2.5: Route sources to recording tracks
- Open
Edit → Advanced Audio Properties - For each source (mic/desktop/capture card), tick the Tracks you want it recorded to — include Track 1 for standard player compatibility
- Confirm that the same tracks are enabled in
Settings → Output → Recording
Pro Tip: Use multiple tracks to record different audio sources separately. For example: Track 1 (Microphone), Track 2 (Desktop Audio).
Step 3: Check Audio Mixer
- Look at the Mixer panel at the bottom of OBS
- Check if the speaker icon shows muted status
- If muted, click to unmute
- Verify that the meter is responding to audio input
Step 4: Allow Windows Microphone Access
- Open Start → Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone
- Turn on both 'Microphone access' and 'Let apps access your microphone'
- If OBS appears in the list, ensure it's allowed
Step 5: Check Windows Sound Settings
- Right-click the speaker icon in taskbar →
Sound settings - Windows 11:
Settings → System → Sound → Volume mixer— with OBS running, find it in the app list, then set its Output device and Input device from the dropdowns - Windows 10:
System → Sound → App volume and device preferences, assign devices for OBS
Prevention Tips
- Recheck OBS device settings when changing USB ports
- Never change audio device connections during recording
- Connect devices before launching OBS
- Keep drivers up to date
Special Case Solutions
Using a Capture Card
Important: Some capture cards (Elgato, AVerMedia, etc.) require HDMI audio to be configured as a separate device.
- Sources → Video Capture Device → Properties
- 'Audio Output Mode' → 'Custom Audio Device'
- Select your capture card's audio device
Recording System Sound + Microphone on Laptops
To record both desktop audio and microphone, set Desktop Audio and Mic/Auxiliary Audio devices in Settings → Audio. Recording does not require Audio Monitoring; turn on Monitor and Output only if you need to hear the mic/loopback, and set a headset as the Monitoring Device to avoid echo.
- Settings → Audio → choose devices for Desktop Audio and Mic/Aux
Edit → Advanced Audio Properties→ assign tracks (include Track 1)- (Optional) Enable monitoring only if you need to listen locally
Bluetooth Headset Latency Issues
Bluetooth headsets add noticeable latency. If you must use one, expect ~150–300 ms and compensate with Sync Offset (ms). For voice recording, many headsets switch to Hands-Free profile with reduced quality; a wired mic or dedicated USB wireless dongle is more reliable. Windows 11 (24H2+) with LE Audio can improve “stereo + mic” on supported hardware, but compatibility varies.
Quick Q&A
Audio suddenly drops during recording?
This usually happens when USB audio devices momentarily disconnect and Windows reassigns the driver. Never unplug devices during recording, and use motherboard USB ports instead of hubs.
Headset mic is detected but produces no sound?
Your audio 'Monitoring Device' may be disabled. Go to Mixer → Right-click → Advanced Audio Properties → Select 'Monitor and Output'.
OBS fails to auto-detect microphone on launch?
Connect your microphone before launching OBS. If the problem persists, refresh the device list in Settings → Audio.
Final Verification Checklist
- ✅ Input device correctly selected?
- ✅ At least one track enabled?
- ✅ Windows microphone permission granted?
- ✅ Mixer not muted?
- ✅ Meter showing activity?
- ✅ Test recording contains audio?
- ✅ Drivers up to date?
FAQ
Additional Troubleshooting Questions
OBS doesn't detect any audio at all?
Check if the device is set to 'Disabled' in Settings > Audio, and verify there are no driver warnings in Device Manager. Reinstalling the latest drivers often resolves this issue.
Audio is too quiet?
Adjust the volume slider in the Mixer or add a 'Gain' filter. You can also add a 'Compressor' filter to maintain consistent volume levels.
Excessive background noise?
Use 'Noise Suppression (RNNoise)' and 'Noise Gate' filters together. Also avoid setting your microphone gain too high.
Video and audio out of sync?
Adjust the 'Sync Offset (ms)' value. Bluetooth devices typically have 200-300ms latency.
References
OBS Official Quick Start Guide
Official OBS documentation covering audio device configuration, track setup, and basic procedures.
Microsoft Official Documentation — Turn on app permissions for your microphone in Windows
Official guide for managing per-app microphone access permissions in Windows 10/11.
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